Track Tamper for sale on the GSA web page

[Redbeard263]

I was looking through the Government auction web site at http://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/gsaauctions

and saw a piece of railroad equipment for sale. When I clicked on the item it was a JACKSON 7000 TAMPER, 6V-71 with DETROIT DIESEL ENGINE. USED/REPAIRS MAY BE REQUIRED 

Current bid: $5,600

 

                     THE CONDITION OF THE PROPERTY IS NOT WARRANTED. Property Location and inquiries/questions regarding property, its inspection and/or removal: National Radio Astronomy Observatory 50 Miles West Of Socorro, NM on U.S. Route 60/52 Socorro, NM 87801Contact: Brent AveryPhone: [phone] 

[e-mail]

 

[Paul_D_North_Jr]

The GSA website says it was sold for $31,200 - which is a steal, even if most of it was scrap, which it probably wasn't.  True value, even if the engine was shot - likely $100 to $300,000, 'depending'.  They don't say what year or how many hours on it, which would be very useful to know . . .

Too bad I didn't see this earlier - I know some people who would've been interested.

The US Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland bought a similar tamper in the early 1980's, as part of the Reagan-era defense build-up and the resulting much more free-flow of money back then.  But I don't think they had anybody there who knew how to operate it - in almost daily visits there for about a year, I never saw it anyplace else other than parked out in front of the enginehouse . . .  

Thanks for the post anyway. 

- Paul North.